Inside Donald Trump's relationship with Rev. Billy Graham

One of the most influential figures in American religious life, Rev. Billy Graham preached to the masses but also exerted unofficial spiritual influence on numerous U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump.

 While President Trump never met with Graham during his first year in office, he celebrated with Graham at his 95th birthday party in 2013 and spoke regularly of his towering example of faith from the campaign trail in 2016.

Graham died Feb. 21 in his sleep at his North Carolina home, his spokesman said at the time. He was 99.

On Friday, President Trump and First Lady Melania will travel with Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence to Charlotte, North Carolina for Graham’s funeral. Trump will be the only living president to attend.

 Trump has said his fondness for Graham, known as "America's Pastor," stems from his protestant father, Fred Trump.

"It's a relationship that goes back to his childhood," David Brody, the author of "The Faith of Donald J. Trump: A Spiritual Journey," told ABC News. "Trump has an affection for Billy Graham based on the fact that his father loved Billy Graham."

This week Trump, who rarely speaks publicly of his upbringing, recalled during a memorial service for Graham at the U.S. Capitol how his father spoke admiringly about Graham's famous evangelical revivals or so-called crusades, held in New York City.



Source: abcnews.go

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